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Why do I have to pre-register?Pre-registration is strongly encouraged as it helps us to plan for the number of conference attendees. Pre-registering also gives you an opportunity to purchase a t-shirt and/or a box lunch. If you are unable to pre-register, a limited number of registrations will be accepted at the door for $40 per person.

Why is there a registration fee?The Minnesota Severe Storms Conference is privately organized and is not affiliated with Metro Skywarn, the National Weather Service, NOAA, or any other organization. Your registration fee goes directly toward offsetting event expenses. Your registration fee does not qualify for a charitable tax deduction.

What is preferred seating?
The Schulze Hall Auditorium offers an exclusive option for conference attendees. This preferred seating is right up front, only feet from the presenters! Enjoy the comfort of a leather executive chair and desk for the entire day. You get all the elbow room you need and a spacious desk to take notes and spread out a bit compared to the standard auditorium seating. Be sure to sign up early as there is a very limited number of these seats available!

What happens if I have pre-registered and need to cancel?We will offer a full refund of your registration fee if you cancel on or before March 23, 2016. After that date, your money will be retained. If you ordered a t-shirt, you will need to arrange to have somebody get your t-shirt for you or to pick it up at a later date. To cancel your registration, please do so via the Eventbrite registration system.

What do you do with my e-mail address?We collect e-mail addresses for the sole purpose of communication. When you register, we add your contact information to our mailing list so that we can send you workshop updates. We will never sell or distribute your personal information to any 3rd parties without your explicit permission.

Would the workshop ever be cancelled?The organizers of the workshop will do everything in their power to hold the workshop in the event of inclement weather, a problem with the facilities, a national emergency, etc. In the event the workshop cannot be held on the scheduled date, communication will be posted on the website and the workshop will be rescheduled.

CONFERENCE INFORMATION

What will I learn at this conference?The Minnesota Severe Storms Conference is meant as an advanced training opportunity. Advanced spotter topics will be discussed. It is recommended that someone attending the conference has at least attended a local spotter class. Having a general understanding of severe storms is important as many discussions at the conference will assume a base knowledge of severe storm environmental parameters, etc. We welcome new spotters and general weather enthusiasts as well, but some material may be of an advanced nature.

Along with advanced spotter topics, we will also discuss current and future technology related to meteorology, severe storms forecasting and detection, and also spotter organizational technology. We encourage spotter groups from around the region to take part in the workshop to help extend their training and take their organization to the next level!

Do I get a spotter card at the end of the conference? Does the conference count as my required training?The Minnesota Severe Storms Conference is for spotters and enthusiasts looking to take the next step in their knowledge. It is meant to help spotters with more advanced topics and topics that are related to severe storm spotting. The workshop does not meet the requirements for any spotter organization as your sole training due to local information they need to provide, but is instead for enrichment purposes.

What time should I arrive?Conference check-in does not begin until 8:00a.m. You will not be allowed to enter the main lobby area until this time in order to allow the event staff and vendors to finish setting up.

What should I bring/wear to the conference?There will be a great selecton of Skywarn and weather related merchandise available with all proceeds going to the conference. We accept cash and credit/debit cards for these purchases. As far as what to wear, it is recommended you wear layers. The auditorium can get warm in the afternoon. Pens for taking notes will be provided, as well as some space in the back of the program. You may wish to bring additional paper or a notebook. If you plan on bringing a laptop or tablet computer, we recommend upgrading to preferred seating where power outlets and more room is available.

What kind of food and refreshments will be available?Lunch options this year include a pre-ordered box lunch or lunch on your own off campus. Because there will not be other lunch options onsite, we highly recommend the pre-ordered lunch to ensure you have time to eat and visit with other attendees while not missing any of the presentations. The nearest off-site restaurants are several blocks away.

Snacks and beverages will be provided to conference attendees during breaks.

What is the After Party? After a long day of learning, we'll have some time to loosen up and visit in a less formal setting. Please let us know if you plan on joining us for the after party to visit with people, enjoy some libations, and have time to reflect on all of the great information from the day! You'll also have a chance to chat with many of the speakers and fellow spotters about things you didn't get a chance to ask during the day. Join us!

How do I become a vendor or sponsor at the conference?A large percentage of our revenues are dependent on our vendors and sponsors. There are many opportunities to contribute to the conference while gaining exposure for your organization. If you are interested in becoming a vendor or sponsor, please send an email using the 'contact us' link below.

How can I support the conference?
The Minnesota Severe Storms Conference is a 501(c)3 organization and your donations are fully tax deductible according to IRS regulations. Please think of the conference as one of your options for your charitable giving throughout the year.